Optimization of testing parameters for tensile property evaluation of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers webs

An optimization study was conducted to understand the influence of thickness, speed of testing, and gauge length (specimen test length) on important mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofiber webs. Using orthogonal experimental design, experimental trials were optimized for the three testing parameters, which enabled to undertake 25 experiments involving the three variables at five different levels. Polynomial regression equations show that the three variables have interactive influence on the mechanical properties tested. Of the three variables, thickness of nanofiber webs seems to have maximum influence on tensile properties. This study showed that the optimal values for tensile testing of nanowebs are gauge length at 0.50 cm, thickness of nanowebs at 0.10 mm, and speed of testing at 25 mm·min⁻¹. This study will provide an opportunity to establish a standard method for the tensile evaluation of nanowebs involving gauge length, thickness, and speed of testing.